First Business Trip: Mabuhay Philippines!

Been ages not to write what happens in my life in this place. My First Business Trip Experience would be exciting for me personally, experiencing to work outside my comfort seat. Superb travel! I am heading to Manila all alone. Different time between Jakarta and Manila is only 1 hour, it shouldn't make me feel so jetlag.

Working in the start up company is choice, I'd love to explore and give more impact on my life. Currently I am working in the start up company that opens their market not only in Indonesia, but in several countries in Asia. I am working as a Product (Information Technology) guy, coordinating with my Boss that based in Bangkok, and my IT team is in Manila. So please imagine that I am the one and the only IT person in my company, then my presence in my office is not really affecting to any other people otherwise to give suggested solution on their Businesses.

Working with my team that based in Manila, and I am based in Jakarta, is a bit arduous. Skyping all the time, contacting one by one person involved on the project. In Manila, I'll meet in person to all my team for the first time, after all of online argue, discussions, and meetings. Just get a breath, "Finally, I will meet them in person, will have a better bonding one another".

July, Twenty second morning at 7 AM, I booked online taxi to go to Airport. It took less than 1 hour travels, and yes, I arrived at the wrong Terminal as usual. I was thinking that Airasia is on Terminal 2 but it was in Terminal 3 for International flight. Then, reaching out the skytrain to move. Waiting around 3 hours is a good time to finish the delayed presentation preparation and PRD, since presentation would flood me a week, then we'll have a move to Team building event at the end of the week.

Informed to have a same flight with my CEO was a bit hmmmm, and yes, she was sitting behind me in the airplane. All good, she is 28 years old with big determination and high positivity aura, and Indianese. During the flight, what stupidity comes is I didn't bring any book to read. To have almost 5 hours in sky, nothing to be done, I should bring a book. But, the weather was becoming less friendlier, shaking is very often, and the turbulence almost made me feel so stomachache. The rain was so heavy, been updated that a couple days ago, several area are flooded in Manila. Walking with her to get out of the Airport, buying SIM card together with her and say goodbye while finding a taxi. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is less fancier than Soetta, old building with crowdy and less structured. The facial was similar, surprisingly I couldn't differentiate between Indonesian and Phillipino.

Pick up point


I ordered Grabtaxi to Apartment (Fort Palm Spring Residence), while the heaviness of rain, a person came to me crossing the road, leaving his car in the next road by staying the engine on. My bad, not knowing where is the pick up point. But been instructed to go to Bay 14, and already sat on that Bay. The feature to send picture on Grab App is helping me out, nothing I can say and they got it. Should be released in Grab ID as well, think so.


 
Drove to my Apartment

"Are you Taufik, sir?", I said yes and he helped me crossing the road with my luggage.

Introducing from Indonesia, he mention Widodo as a President in Indonesia, most of my Phillipino's friends are saying Widodo than Joko Widodo or Jokowi. I told him that Widodo is lovable person, being loved by society. Either Duterte, when I caught Duterte on news, the perception is going to be
authoritarian. Murders drugs supplier, but He is lovable by the society, I was thinking that News frames the people mindset, mostly that they were coming from different city, nothing to know the real condition but yeah, will be misleading the accurate information. This driver said, 87% of Phillipino voted Duterte, and it is now the number of corruptor is becoming lower. In the middle of travel, I said this was my first time to be in Manila, and don't know where exactly my Apartment is. Then he confirmed to people on the road, then he drove me till the Lobby. Arrived!

I haven't contacted Majed (owner of condo), I actually have but a day before I arrived, he didn't reply my message via Telegram. Nothing to be worried, I checked with receptionist that I have booked a room in this apartment. I showed the name of the owner and his phone number and she looks familiar with the person, and I was redirected to go to 20B. She said that just enter the room, Majed just usually left the room open with unlocked. Going upstairs, next to the elevator I open the door 20B.

"Huaaaaaa", people inside the room are screaming! I am shocked and apologies. I elaborated that I have no intention to open someone else's door. I explained that I have booked a room and can't contact the owner, then be redirected to this room. A middle aged woman with around teen girl affirmed that I was the one who will stay in this room. They explain that their boss has messaged me but I didn't reply. We talked a lot with the environment, where can I get a laundry, nearest dinner place and any other thing. I saved her number, in case I need something help, her name is Miss Weng.

I got a big apartment! at least only for me!
My Apartment


My First Dinner

The rain outside wouldn't cease me to grab some dinner, I found near my apartment were a lot of fast food area. I found KFC and McD, in the middle of rain, I stepped out to go. This city was well managed and super modern. Anyway, I am living in Taguig City, more specifically in Bonifacio Global City. This is the part of Metro Manila with their modernity lifestyle, I was not expecting this tidy, but sure this city is clean and modern. I walked through skyscrapers, on foot of big pedestrian and no traffic jam. So lovely!


July 22nd 2018.
Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila.